AFG vs ZIM 2026: Second Test match preview

Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in the second and final Test of the series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, starting on Friday, November 13.

The two teams head into the contest with the series level at 0-0 after the opening Test ended in a draw. Zimbabwe posted 504 runs in their first innings before declaring at 523/5 in the second innings, while Afghanistan responded with 514 runs in their only innings. Both sides displayed tremendous batting resilience, but neither could force a result in the five-day contest.

Afghanistan will be keen to make the most of home conditions and secure a series victory. Their batting unit showed good temperament in the first Test, and they will look to carry that confidence into the upcoming encounter. The hosts will also hope their bowlers can put Zimbabwe under pressure and take 20 wickets.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be confident after their impressive batting display in the first Test. Veteran batter Brendan Taylor scored 131 and 82, while Craig Ervine remained unbeaten on 206 in the second innings. Brian Bennett also contributed 128 not out and 50, while Wessly Madhevere struck an unbeaten century. The visitors will hope their experienced batting unit can deliver another strong performance.

For Afghanistan, Rahmat Shah was the standout performer in the opening Test, scoring 173 runs. Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Zadran also registered centuries, scoring 105 and 113, respectively. With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to produce a better bowling performance after the opening Test turned into a run-fest.

AFG vs ZIM: Match Details

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Pitch Report

The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is expected to offer another good batting surface, as witnessed in the first Test, where Zimbabwe scored 504 and 523/5, while Afghanistan responded with 514. Batters enjoyed good conditions throughout the game, although spinners could come into play as the surface wears.

AFG vs ZIM: Head-to-Head Record in Tests

AFG vs ZIM: Predicted Playing 11s

Afghanistan

Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Shahidullah Kamal, Rahmat Shah(c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil(w), Rahmanullah, Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Saleem Safi.

Zimbabwe

Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett(c), Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Antum Naqvi, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga(w), Graeme Cremer, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani